Journal #1 The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25443&DirectListComboInd=D

In the journal article "The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips," the title speaks for itself. Since traditional field trips are not as inexpensive as they were in the past, children do not get to experience visiting and learning about new places. Virtual Fields Trips are essentially free and children can get the same through the internet or videoconferencing equipment. The article introduces two types of VFTs, asynchronous and interactive VFTs. Asynchronous VFTs are available over the internet through video, text, or pictures. They are not live, but are able to for example give a tour of a historic site or museum as if the children through video. Asynchronous VFTs can be effective, but not as exciting as interactive trips. Interactive VFTs are interactive experiences where a person from one location interacts with a class in another location. This is an exciting experience because the class can see the host LIVE and is able to ask questions and see what is happening at that moment in time as if they were actually there. VTFs are great because students can visit different areas, states, and even parts of the world without having to leave their classroom!

Would I actually use VFTs in my own classroom? How easy is it?

I think I would use VFTs in my classroom, with the resources online it is easy to access asynchronous VFTs and their is a list of places willing to host an interactive VFTs. So there are really no excuses for not letting your class experience VFTs! Virtual field trips not only expose students to new places, they can also expose them to the new technologies that are available. After their VFT experience they may become more interested in learning about computers and technology in general.

What are the disadvantages of virtual field trips?

One obvious disadvantage to VFTs is that the students are not actually going to the site of the trip, which would enhance their experience. Also, videoconferencing equipment may be hard to get your hands on. As mentioned in the article, after contacting your school, you may also want to contact your district. RESOURCES ARE OUT THERE it just may take some time and effort to get what you need. The concerns mentioned above are really the only disadvantages I see in VFTs. I think that they should be at the very least used once a year in a classroom to expose children to new experiences.